Corneal pachymetry market

Corneal pachymetry is a test that determines the thickness of the cornea. The knowledge of corneal thickness is used to define the accuracy of intraocular eye pressure (IOP) measurement. The corneal pachymetry examination is also used to evaluate some corneal pathologies such as keratoconus, corneal edema, glaucoma or refractive surgeries.

The two techniques of corneal pachymetry are optical pachymetry, which provides a map of corneal pachymetry and an ultrasound probe (pachymetry acoustics).

In the optical pachymetry, one can obtain a map that shows corneal pachymetry of each point in the corneal surface and allows you to identify the location and value of the thinnest point on the surface of cornea.

The advantages of ultrasound pachymetry (10-20 MHz) include portability and ease of use. These dry contact systems are easy to use, portable, and inexpensive. However, the accuracy of this technique is dependent on the probe's perpendicularity to the cornea, while the reliability depends on precise probe placement.

Global Corneal Pachymetry Market - Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported on December 31, 2019, in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as pandemic on March 11, 2020. According to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Weekly Epidemiological Update by the World Health Organization, over 182 million cases and 3.95 million deaths due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported till July 2, 2021, across the globe.

Impact of COVID-19 on Demand and Supply of Corneal Pachymetry

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in various countries across the globe have impacted the financial status of businesses across all sectors including private healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire supply chain of the healthcare industry mainly due to strict lockdown in several regions. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of various regions across the globe in three main ways; 1) by directly affecting the production and demand; 2) by creating disruptions in distribution channels; and 3) through its financial impact on companies and financial markets. Many countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are facing problems with regards to transportation and distribution of healthcare products. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health-care delivery around the world, including delays in ophthalmic diagnosis and surgeries. Thus, impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is expected to limit the growth of the global corneal pachymetry market during the forecast period. For instance, according to a review published in the Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today Europe, in January 2021, in Cairo, Egypt, patients suffering from acute viral conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, acute uveitis, and retinal detachment were extremely hesitant to seek elective health care including cataract and refractive surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Surgical volume at a Cairo, Egypt-based practice was dropped dramatically. In the second half of March 2020, 25% fewer surgical procedures were performed as compared to that of 2019, and the number of patients seen in the clinic had also decreased by approximately 50% the surgery clinics at Cairo, Egypt.

The global corneal pachymetry market is estimated to be valued at US$ 320.6 Mn in 2021, and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.1 % over the forecast period (2021-2028).

Figure 1: Global Corneal Pachymetry Market Share (%) Analysis, By Modality, 2021 

The prevalence of eye problems like glaucoma and refractive errors are the major factors that are expected to drive the growth of global corn eal pachymetry market over the forecast period.

The emerging prevalence of glaucoma and refractive errors is expected to bolster the growth of global corneal pachymetry market. For instance, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 2019-2020, in the U.S., glaucoma affects approximately 3 million Americans. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, which causes increased eye pressure. Because there are often no early symptoms, 50% of people with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease. Moreover, according to the same source, more than 150 million Americans were discovered to have a refractive error but were unaware that they could see well.

Collaborations, Partnerships and Acquisition

Market players are adopting strategies such as partnerships to increase the quality of eye care, this is expected to aid in the growth of the global corneal pachymetry market over the forecast period. For instance, March 2, 2021, Iridex Corporation, a provider of innovative ophthalmic laser-based medical products for the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases based in California, announced a strategic partnership with Topcon Corporation. Topcon is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor with annual revenues of approximately US$1.3 billion, including US$430 million from its eye care business.

Global Corneal Pachymetry Market – Regional Analysis

On the basis of region, the global corneal pachymetry market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

North America is expected to hold dominant position in the global corneal pachymetry market over the forecast period, owing to strategic collaborations within market players. For instance, on April 26, 2021, Midwest Vision Partners (MVP), whose mission is to provide ophthalmologists and optometrists with world-class support, announced a collaboration with Eye Centers of Ohio (ECO), a medical group practice located in North Canton. This is MVP's eleventh collaboration as it expands its eye care management services organization with leading ophthalmologists and optometrists across the Midwest, U.S.

Moreover, due to awareness programs conducted by charitable organizations w.r.t. glaucoma, Europe is expected to witness a significant growth in global corneal pachymetry market over the forecast period. For instance, Glaucoma Awareness Week, an annual awareness-raising opportunity was organized by Glaucoma UK, which is the operating name of the International Glaucoma Association. The goal of the awareness program was to eliminate preventable glaucoma sight loss, which begins with raising awareness of the disease. The program took place from June 28 to July 4, 2021, and the theme was family and loved ones.

Figure 2: Global Corneal Pachymetry Market Value (US$ Mn), by Region, 2021

Global Corneal Pachymetry Market – Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global corneal pachymetry market include Micro Medical Devices, Inc. (MMD), Reichert, Inc. (AMETEK Inc.), OCULUS Optikgerate GmbH, Quantel Medical, Optovue Inc., DGH Technology, Inc., Escalon Medical Corp., Carl Zeiss AG, Keeler Ltd., and Konan Medical USA Inc.